Get cracking: spring firewood season begins

THE spring firewood collection season for 2018 has started.

Firewood can now legally be collected from designated areas on public land until November 30.

“FFMVic and Parks Victoria staff will be patrolling parks, forests and reserves to make sure people are doing the right thing while collecting their firewood,” Forest Fire Management Victoria regional manager of forest and fire planning David Rourke said

“It’s important that people only collect firewood from designated collection areas in state forests or parks where collection is allowed and stay within collection limits.

“This includes taking a maximum of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year. This is to prevent households stockpiling large volumes of firewood from public land and denying others a supply.

“All firewood must be cut on the ground – the felling of any trees for firewood by members of the public is strictly prohibited.

“The amount of domestic firewood available across Victoria is varied with many households relying on firewood for winter warmth, so please consider others when taking firewood.”

Some firewood collection areas may be part of the spring planned burning program, so check where burns are happening as affected firewood collection areas may be closed at short notice. Head to ffm.vic.gov.au/plannedburn, download the VicEmergency app or phone 1800 226 226.

Under the Forest Act 1958, people who collect firewood outside designated firewood collection areas, outside a firewood collection season or take more than the maximum allowable amounts can face fines of up to $7,928, or a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment or both, if the matter proceeded to court.

Any information the community may have about the illegal removal of firewood for sale can be reported to DELWP on 136 186, quoting Operation Sawdust.

For more information and updates, including interactive maps showing designated collection areas, head to ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood or phone 136 186.